Spring motor and its installation in phonographs



-mh zs 1924. I 1,487,992

M. WEIL SPRING MOTOR AND ITS INSTALLATION IN PHONOGRAPHS Filed July 14 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 gunk/whoa Mmrz'mz'lz'an [/2351 March 25 {1924. 1,487,992

- M. WEIL SPRING MOTOR AND, ITS INISTALLATI-ON IN PHONOGRAPHS Filed July 14 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MAXIMILIA'N wait, or NEW YORK, n. Y

SPRING MOTOR- AND ITS INSTALLATION IN PHONDGRAPHS.

Application filed July 14, 1920.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Maxizvunmiv W 1211., a citizen of the United States and resident of New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Spring Motors and Their Installation in Phonographs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates in its more specific application to spring power driving mechanisms for phonographs, and to phonographs embodying such mechanism in a novel combination, although many of the features of the invention are broadly applicable to spring power or equivalent mechanisms regardless in what relation they are employed and what type of apparatus they serve to propel.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a spring power mechanism in which the efiect of a rupture of the spring element is quickly eliminated without inconvenience, so that even after such' rupture the mechanism can be continued in use until such time as replacement of the broken unit can be effected. 7

By my invention, I provide a compact motor of the above type equipped with means by which the same can be set for satisfactory, eflicient operation, even though some of the driving springs are broken or disconnected. r-

Spring power mechanisms, more particularly mechanisms of the general type installed in'phonographs, generally embody two or more coil driving springs arranged side by side along the same axis and connected in succession or in series, th end of each'to the end of the preceding one, the purpose of this multi-spring construction being to eifect a relatively long running period with one winding, while avoiding. the use of a single objectionably large-diameter spring of the combined capacity of the plurality of springs used.

When in the use of such mechanism one of the plurality of springs breaks, the remaining spring or springs will snap to unwound position substantially instantly and rotation of the winding handle will be ineffective to rewind the machine, so that the device becomes useless until repaired by a specialized mechanic. Spring breakages occur without notice in the case of phonograph motors and frequently in the middle of perform- Serial No. 396,211.

ances. Furthermore phonographs used in small communities or in camps remote from service stations are frequently disabled by such breakages for prolonged periods pending the arrival of substitute mechanisms or of a specially skilled mechanic capable of making the necessary repairs.

An object of the invention, as embodied in the said multi-spring type of mechanism, is to provide means for conveniently placing in operative relation, the unbroken spring means, upon rupture of any of the plurality of driving spring elements.

This object is preferably carried out by providing a coupling arranged to be read ily substituted in the motor for a broken spring, so that the remaining unbroken spring or springscan be Wound and will furnish the energy for driving.

The usual spring mechanism for phonograph motors comprises a drum structure and bushing elements coaxiallyv therein, the coil springs being connected at their inner ends, one to each of the bushing elements and at their outer ends to the drum structure. According to one feature of my invention, the coupling to be substituted for a coil spring that is broken or not to be used, will preferably be established between the bushing member corresponding to the broken spring and the adjacent part of the drum structure. By preference this coupling is in the form of a clutch member coaxial with the bushing elements.

Another preferred feature of the invention, more particularly in its application to phonograph motors, is the manual operation of the coupling or clutch member from the exterior of the motor and preferably from the top of the motor board.

The above and other features of my invention may be more fully understood from the following detail description in connection with the accompanying drawings showing a desirable embodiment thereof, in which Fig. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of a mechanism embodying my construction mounted in place on the lower surface of a phonograph motor board,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of bushings and of the clutch,

Fig. a is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along line 4-4: of Fig. 1, and:

Fig. 5 is a detail view of a the operating mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings, I have shown at 1 a fragment of the motor board of a phonograph to the bottom of which is secured the spring motor. This motor is shown by way of illustration as of the twospring type although the invention is applicable to motors embodying three or more springs. The general features of construction of the motor are preferably identical with those of motors in use. The known elements of the construction comprise a main frame 2 including a pair of standards 3 extending downwardly from the motor board when the motor is mounted in position, as shown. Through the standards extends a dead shaft or supporting rod 4. Encircling the rod and floating thereon is the bushing or sleeve 5 upon which is rigidly mounted the gear 6 for transmitting the power to the turn table through mechanism (not shown). A second bushing or sleeve 7 encircles the rod 4, said bushing being longer than bushing 5and carrying upon its extended end the winding gear mechanism. The details of the latter mechanism are not involved in the present invention and it will, therefore, simply be noted briefly that the winding mechanism comprises a gear 8 secured to bushing 7, the winding torque being transmitted to said gear from a winding handle upon a winding shaft (not shown). The pawl 9 upon the bushing prevents unwinding by its cooperation with a ratchet wheel '(not shown) upon the winding shaft.

Encircling the bushings or sleeves and floating thereon is a drum structure 10, comprising a drum or shell element 11, the base 12 of which encircles sleeve 7, and a portion of second similar drum. or shell element 13 the base 14: of which encircles sleeve element 5, the two open ends of the drum elements facing each other and being secured together, for instance, by bolts and nuts 15 extending through integral outwardly extending flanges 16. The bolts and nuts 15 clamp a metal disk 17 between flanges 16, said disk serving to prevent contact or interference between adjacent sides of the two coil driving springs unit No. 1 and unit No. 2. The driving spring unit No. 1 is coiled within the drum element 11 and secured thereto at its outer end at 18, and the inner end of said spring is secured to the bushing 7 as at 19. The other spring unit No. 2 is similarly secured between the drum element 13 and the sleeve 5. The usual felt stuifers 20 and 21 are provided at opposite ends of the drum encircling the corresponding sleeves to prevent egress of the lubricating grease 22 within the drum.

According to the preferred form of my invention. I provide a clutch 23 situated between the two sleeves or bushings 5 and 7 and axially aligned therewith, preferably having a sleeve fit over rod 4. The clutch 1s arranged to establish a rigid connection a rigid connection between the sleeve '5 and the drum 10, thereby cutting out of operation the coil spring unit No. 2 and establishing a rigid connection between the spring unit No. 1 and the driving gear 6 through which the turn table shaft (not shown) is driven. In the intermediate position shown on the drawings, the clutch element is out of operation and the two springs will function concurrently as in the familiar construction.

Preferably the operation of the clutch is effected by a shifting of the supporting rod or dead shaftet although shifting means separate and distinct from the supporting rod may be provided. For this purpose I prefer to form the supporting rod of'core 24 made of standard stock of somewhat smaller diameter than that commonly in use 7 and to enclose one end of said core in a snugly fitting sleeve 25 which may be made of a standard size of metal tubing, the said sleeve being rigidly securedupon the rod by means of a pin 26. The clutch element 23 which is preferably freely rotatable upon the rod core may readily he slipped over the other end of the said core after the sleeve 25is applied, whereupon a second sleeve 27 may be slipped over the latter end of the core and pinned in place as at 28. By preference the distance between adjoining ends of sleeves 25 and 27 is slightly greater than the width of clutch 23 to avoid binding. By this construction it will be seenuthat the'clutch element will be shiftable with the rod either towards the right or toward the left. It will, of course, be understood that the rod 'core'with the two encircling sleeves at opposite ends constitutes but a preferred illustrative manner in which the object can be carried out, of effecting a shifting of the clutch substantially as a unit with the rod and other ex- 7 For instance, the rod might be made from stock of the outer diameter of the sleeve and pedients may be employed for this purpose.

be reduced at one'end, a single sleeve being 7 butting.

memes tapered at their outer ends as at 36 to permit entry of teeth of member 23 between corresponding teeth on the sleeves 5 or 7 depending on the direction of shifting, with out likelihood of end to end contact or butting. The teeth 32 and 33 on the clutch member may also be tapered if desired as at 37 to still further-reduce the likelihood of The length of the keys upon the clutch is such that the keys remain in the grooves or keyways 30 and 31 in disk 17, at

i all times, whether the clutch is shifted to the extreme right or to the extreme left. The maximum diameter of the clutch should be no greater than, and is preferably less than the outer diameter of the sleeves or bushings in order to avoid interference with the inner convolutions of the encircling coil springs. Obviously the clutch teeth of mem ber 23 might be formed separate and distinct from the keys 30 and 31 and a different number of keys or clut h teeth might be used.

Preferably operating means for the clutch or coupling member is provided, readily accessible from the upper surface of the motor board. This operating means by way of illustration comprises a turn button 38 upon the motor board connected by a pin 39 e1: tending vertically through the motor board and in the same plane as supporting rod 4, an eccentric 40 being rigidly secured to said pin near the lower end thereof and substantially in the horizontal plane of the sup porting rod. The eccentric 40 fits into a corresponding opening in an eccentric plate 41, the said plate having pivoted thereto by means of a screw 42 a coupling member 43, the reduced end lei of which fits into a corresponding socket 45 formed in the end of the shifting rod core 24:. A set screw i6 extending through an opening 4:7 in socket 45 serves to establish a connection between the coupling member and the end of the shifting rod.

I prefer to form a plurality of circumferential grooves 48 in the reduced end as of.

the coupling member to permit variation of the distance between the motor and the operating pin, this adjustment being provided to dispense with the need for mounting the parts upon the motor board with great accuracy.

Encircling the pin 39 and upon the upper surface of the motor board there is an indicating dial 4:9 and a spacer sleeve 50 encloses the pin 39 and extends between said dial and the eccentric'O to prevent substantial upward and downward movement of the turn button with its associated rod and eccentric. A coil compression spring 51 encircles the sleeve 50 and presses at one end downwardly upon the eccentric and at the other end upwardly upon the dish, hereby producing the requisite friction to prevent inadvertent shifting of the turn on from any position in which it may be set. The various elements of the operating member, it is clear, can be produced at small expense from standard gauges of rods and tubing.

The indicating dial 49 for the specific iotor shown will have three indications as, for instance, Unit No. 1, Unit No. 2,, l Units Nos. 1 and 2 at 52, 53 and 51 respectively, and rotatable with the turn button there is preferably provided an indicating pointer 55 which by way of convenience may have thereon the word Operating or some equivalent word. The designations 52, 53 and 54 upon the indicator disk are so disposed that when the pointer is moved to the position 52, the clutch will be in cooperation with the sleeve 5, so that the device will be operating on unit No. 1 in accordance with the indicator reading and when the pointer is opposite unit No. 2 the clutch will be in cooperation with the opposite sleeve 7 cutting out unit No. 1. For the intermediate position of the pointer, the clutch will be in neutral position midway between the sleeves 5 and Y and the device will be set for operation upon both spring unit In use, the phonograph motor ma desired, be initially set in neutral posi shown on the drawings. so that the cper '1- ion proceeds with both springs operati 11 series, the pointer being in the intcraua position shown in Fig. 4-. is soon a break or rupture occurs in either of the spring units Nos. 1 and 2, the energy stored in the motor will immediately be released and the spring will snap to unwound position against the drum.

rissuming that units No. 2 has broken. to se ton is grasped and rotated until the pointer registers with the indication corresponding to operation of unit Etc. 1, the unbroken spring. By this operation the eccentric at) will be rotated from the intermediate posi tion shown in Fig. 5 in the direction of the arrow, thus urging the eccentric plate toward the left and through the coupling 43, the shifting rod 4.- will also be drawn toward the left, carrying with it the clutch 23. the teeth 33. of which enter into mesh with the clutching construction 35 at the end of the sleeve or bushing the keys 28 and 29 on the clutch remaining in coop eration with the notches 30, 31 in the disk t the device for operation. the turn but 17. The clutch in this position establishes a rigid connection between the sleeve 5 and the disk 17, thereby bringing about, in effect, a mechanical short-circuit about the broken spring unit No. 2. hen winding torque is now applied through the winding handle (not shown), the same will be transmitted through the sleeve 7, unbroken spring unit No. 1, the drum member 11, the disk 17 the keyways or notches 30, 31, the keys 28, 29, the clutch 23, the sleeve 5 and the driving gear 6, which latter is held against rotation both in winding and when the motor is stationary by the brake (not shown). The unbroken spring is held against unwinding in the usual manner by the restraining action of the pawl and ratchet of the winding mechanism. -.Vhen the brake mechanism is released, the single driving spring will, therefore, operate the turn table through the gear wheel 6.

The user, of course, does not know when a rupture occurs whether it is unit No. 1 or unit No. 2 that has become inoperative. If, as above assumed, the spring unit No. 2 breaks but the user rotates the turn button to position 53, Unit No. 2 operating, that is, for operation of the broken spring winding, of course, cannot take place since the clutch would then be connected about the operative spring unit No. 2 andthe motor would offer no resistance to rotation of the winding handle. The user being thus apprised that the setting of the button is not the appropriate one will then turn the button to the only other position, that of, Unit No. 1 operating and the device will function as above set "forth.

Should the spring unit No. 1 break in operation, the clutch will be moved toward the right by shifting the turn button to the position 53 in which the pointer 55 comes into registry with the designation Unit No. 2 operating, thereby moving the clutch member towards the right into cooperation with the clutch 7. The winding of the unbroken spring unit No. 2 can now be effected by rotation of the winding handle, the winding torque being transmitted from the sleeve 7 through clutch teeth 34 to clutch 23 and from the keys 28, 29 thereon, through grooves or keyways 30, 31 to disk 17 thence through drum member 13 to the outer end of unbroken spring unit 2. The inner end of the spring is held against rotation by the sleeve 5, the braking mechanism holding against rotation the gear 6 that is rigid with said sleeve. W'inding therefore proceeds. The unbroken spring is now held against unwinding by the brake mechanism at one end and at its other end by the pawl and ratchet on the winding mechanism, the latter spring end being connected to the pawl and ratchet through the disk 17, clutch 23 and sleeve 7.

If, with spring unit No. 1 broken, the 7 turn button be moved for operation of unit No. 1, no torque can be transmitted beyond sleeve 7, as the spring connected to the latter is broken. V

Thus when in use either spring breaks, the motor can be restored to operative conditions by simple rotation of the turn button upon the motor board, whereupon the motor can be wound and its 'fuctioning will proceed through the remaining unbroken spring until such time as the motor can be repaired or replaced. V

The motor can thus beset for operation by any inexpert person, even by a child, there being no occasion to touch or even to inspect the motor. It will be understood that, if desired, automatic. means might be provided for shifting the clutch.

Although the clutch'member is completely inclosed within the drum and the operating member extends throughrthe drum to the exterior, yet the lubricating grease willnot escape therefrom since no auxiliary openinrr is used for the connection from the clutch to the exterior operating mechanism" but this connection is effected through oneof the passages in the drum through which the supporting rod 4 extends. r

The spring 51' of the operating mechanism ofi'ers resistance, as heretofore noted, to the rotation of the turn button and, therefore, also to the displacement of the eccentric 40 and of the clutch 23.. The clutch is, therefore, held by this means againstunc'les'ired shifting from the position in which it is set. Of course, other meansmight be provided for this purpose, p 7

Although the motor can be operated to advantage according tothe method above indicated,'it is preferable not to set the clutch in the neutral position when the motor is new, or at any other time, but to place'it from the outset into cooperation with either sleeve 5 or sleeve 7 so that the motor operates at all times on only one spring, the unused spring not being used at all and being maintained in perfect condition, to be cut into operation only when the firstspringbreaks down. ,My invention thus constitutes a selector by the use of which a cholce can be exercised as to wh ch spring or sprlngs are to be kept in use, and by which a unit of the motor is kept in reserve.

It will, of course, be obvious that my invention might be carried out in a construction in which it would be possible to use only one of the springs at a *iliillfiLiIhBlG bein no neutral position for operation with both springs concurrently. This idea might be carried out in a simple manner by reducing the distancebetween the ends of thesleeves or bushings 5 and 7 or by lengthening the clutch teeth on the member 23.

Of course, by the use of only one spring the running time of the phonograph motor will be only one-half of that where both springs are used concurrently. However, with the springs in use, this time is more than sutlicient to play the largest record and since it is an easy matter, and in the case of many users a matter of habit motor after the playing of each record, no inconvenience results from the shorter run ning time. a

It will thus be seen that by means of a simple modification of certain details of a phonograph motor otherwise of standard construction, including the usual centrifugal governor (not shown). I achieve the desirable results above noted. My invention is carried out in a phonograph motor embodying any usual form of frame and the drum and the spring construction used in practice are not modified in any particular. The only changes made from standard constructions are, the stamping of the usual sheet metal disk with a pair of notches in the central opening, the substitution for the plain supporting rod of a rod composed of a core made from standard steel: with sleeves from standard tubing slipped over opposite ends thereof and pinned in place thereon retaining therebetweena clutch member which is formed at small expense from a unitary metal piece, one end of each of the sleeves or bushings being formed with integral clutch teeth, butotherwise of standard construction. The operating mechanism connecting the shifting rod to the top of the motor board as seen is made at small expense from standard gauge stock.

Although I prefer to employ the specific constructionshown, in which the clutch 23 is so connected. with respect to the drum by means of the disk 17 that no substantial relative rotation takes place between v the clutch and the drum, the clutch being mounted for free rotation upon the supporting rod, it will be understood that a reverse arrangement would be included in the scope of my invention, in which the clutch would be rotatable as a unit with the supporting rod, the drum being normally rotatable with respect to the clutch. The latter arrangement is less desirable than that of my oreferred form because the driving mechanism, in operation, is compelled to rotate the supporting rod, which further involves loss of power through friction, since each spring urges the rod laterally against its bearings.

Although the invention has been shown and described as applied to a power unit of the two-spring type, it will be understood that the idea can be readily applied to drums embodying three or more springs, in such manner that any one of the plurality of springs can be eliminated from operation either when intact or when ruptured, or that anyone of said plurality of springs can be to wind the I maintained in operation, the others being eliminated from operation.

No increase in length or diameter of spring motors results from embodying my selector mechanism therein, since in the preferred form the clutch means is disposed within the gap or gaps between successive bushings or sleeves and the supporting rod serves as a transmission to the clutch means from the manual operating means external. of the motor. The motor with my selector mechanism embodied therein is a single selfcontained unit that can be applied to the phonograph with the same facility as motors that do not embody this invention. The operating means is operatively connected to the motor by the simple process of tightening set-screw 46 upon coupling element 44;.

The above description has been limited to the preferred application of my invention to phonograph motors. The invention is, however, useful in a wide range of applications. For instance, multi-spring motors are useful for operating signal apparatus and the use of my invention in such application, whether manually set upon breaking of a spring, or operated automatically responsive to such breakage, is particularly beneficial.

The invention is useful in spring motor generally, regardless of the type of con struction or the number of springs, and it will be understood that in its broader aspects, the invention might be embodied in any spring construction having associated therewith means for substituting a relative- 1y rigid connection for a section of the spring mechanism, whether such spring section is intact or broken. It will also be apparent that this rigid connection might be embodied in various forms of couplings other than the clutch arrangement shown.

1. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a driving spring mechanism, and means for substituting a substantially rigid connection for a section of said spring mechanism.

2. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a driving spring mechanism, coupling means associated with said mechanism, and means for operating said coupling means to establish a mechanical power transmitting connection about a section of said mechanism.

3. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a driving spring means, acoupling device associated with said means to establish a connection in lieu of a section of said spring means, and manually operated means for connecting said coupling device-at will into operative or inoperative position.

4. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a drum, coil spring means therein having a winding end and a power delivery end, 'a coupling device cooperating with said spring means and between saidends for establisliinga rigid connection'about a section of said spring means,

and means for shifting. said coupling means to operative or inoperative position.

5. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a drum, coil spring means therein having a winding connection near one end and having means for. delivering its stored energy near the other end, a coupling device within said drum for-establishing a rigid connection about a section of said spring, and manually operated means extending outside of said drum tor shifting said coupling device at will to oper 'ative or inoperative position.

7. The combination of claim 6- in which the coupling device is manually operated and has a neutral or inoperative position in addition to the plurality of operative settings.

8. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a' driving coil spring having a Winding connection at one end and a power delivery connection at the other end, and a coupling device cooperating with said spring means andv operable to couple a part of said springmeans intermediate the ends thereof with one of said end connections.

9. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a driving coil spring having a winding connectionat one end, and a power delivery connection at the other end, and a coupling device cooperating with said spring means and having one inoperative setting and two operative set tings, said coupling device serving in one of said latter settings to couple a part of said spring means intermediate the ends thereof with said winding connection and in the other operative setting to couple said power delivery connection to a part of said spring means intermediate the ends thereof.

10.'In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a driving coil spring, a c rum enclosing said spring and having a winding connection for said spring at one end, and a power delivery connection at the other end, a coupling device within said drum adapted to cooperate with said spring means, and manually operated means extending outside of said drum to move said coupling device; for joining a part of; said spring intermediate the endsthereof with one of said end connections.

11. In apparatus oi the character described, a coil driving spring mechanism and coupling means arranged axially within said mechanism, and means for operating said coupling means to establish a mechanical power transmitting connection about-a section of the driving spring means.

12. A spring power unit comprising a plurality of driving springs connected in series, and means for est'ablishing a rigid coupling connection between the ends of any oneof said springs.

13. A spring power unit comprising a rigid winding connection at one end, a

rigid power delivery connection at the other end, a plurality of driving springs between said ends, rigid connecting means for joining said springs in series, coupling. member within said unit, and manually operated means for moving said coupling member to rigidly join the rigid connectionsat opposite ends of anyone of said springs.

15. A spring power unit comprising a rigid winding connection at one end, a rigid power delivery connectionat the other end, a plurality of'driving springs between said ends, rigid connecting means for'joining said springs in series, coupling means withiii said unit, and manual means for operating said coupling means to maintain in operation any one of said springs and to rigidly join the rigid connections at the end of-the remaining spring means.

16. A spring power unitv comprising. a;

plurality of axially aligned: shell members, a plurality of core members, one axially in each shell meniber,a plurality of springs coiled about said core members and within said shell members, the ends of said springs being secured to the corresponding core and shell members, the core at one end of the unithavinga winding connection and that at the other a power dclivery coir' cling the latter, means establishing a driving connection between said drum members, springs coiled about said bushings and secured thereto at one end and attached to said members at the other end, and means for establishing a rigid connection in lieu of the spring connection between any bushing and the corresponding drum member.

18. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of bushings one at each end of said drum, winding means connected to one said bushing, power delivery means con nected to the other said bushing, a coil spring secured at one end to one said bushing and at the other to said drum, a second coil spring secured at one end to said drum and at the other to the other bushing, a coupling element within said drum operable to establish a rigid connection between said drum and either of said bushings, and manual means extending outside of said drum for operating said coupling element.

V 19. A spring power unit comprising a drum structure and a plurality of floating bushings extending along the axis thereof, a plurality of springs within said drum structure, one corresponding to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, each spring being connected at its other end to said drum structure, said springs being connected in series, clutch means axially aligned with said bushings, means securing said clutch means against substantial rotation relative to the adjacent part of said drum means, and means for shifting said clutch means to clutch any of said bushings.

20. In a spring power unit of the type which includes a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite ends of each said spring being secured to said drum, and a disk secured within said drum and between said springs; the combination therewith of a clutch member aligned with said bushings, and means holding said clutch member against substantial rotation with respect to said disk, while permitting displacement thereof axially in either direction for clutching one or the other of the bushings adjacent thereto.

21. The combination of claim 20 in. which the clutch member has clutching teeth at op posite ends thereof, and in which corre sponding teeth. are provided at the ends of the bushing members adjacent to said clutch member teeth.

22. In a spring power unit of the type which includes a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings fioatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each of said springs being secured to said drum, and a disk secured withto form 0 clutch teet in bUSlUlJ S ad scent to said ciu' a) The cor ration 0t r there are two diametrit l upon the clutch 71].Q-1T1.)G.S spending notches in the dish e il moi he s being torn'ied integral with said clutch member.

tact with said clutch member.

25. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings i'ioatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite. end of each'oi said springs being secured to said drum, a ci 1: secured within said drum and between said springs, a quantity of lubricant within said drum, a clutch member keyed in aeentral opening in said disk and adapted to be shifted for clutching either said bushings, and means extending from said crutch member to the exterior of said drum tor shifting the former said drum, and shi'tting neans being cons ructed and arranged relative to each other to prevent escape of lubricant from said drum.

26. A spring power unit com ivrising a drum, a pair of: axially adgned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a. pair of coil springs cin'responding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end. the opposite end of each of said springs being secured to said drum, a clutch member within said drum between said bushings and. axially aligned therewith and adapted to establish a rigid connection between said drum and one of said bushings, and a shitting parttior said clutch member, said sh? extending from said clutch menisci. through one end of said unit.

27. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil 3% springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each of said springs being secured to said drum, a clutch member within said drum between said bushings and axially aligned therewith, said clutch having two operative settings, one in clutching engagement with each of said bushings, an inoperative setting out of contact with said bushings, and a shifting part for said clutch member operable from the exterior of said power unit.

28. Apparatus of the character described comprising a shiftable supporting rod, having clutch teeth carried thereby intermediate its ends, a pair of bushings on said rod and at opposite sides of said clutch teeth and having corresponding clutch teeth, an enclosing drum, a pair of coil springs, one corresponding to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each spring being secured to said drum, and means connecting said supporting rod clutch teeth with respect to said drum, to prevent substantial relative rotation.

29. The combination of claim 28 in which the length of the clutch teeth extends parallel to said rod. 7

80. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each of said springs being secured to said drum, a shiftable rod extending axially through said bushings, a clutch member' mounted for rotation with respect to said rod and between said bushings, means preventing substantial displacement of said clutch member longitudinally with respect to said rod, and means to prevent substantial rotation of said clutch member with respect to said drum.

31. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each of said springs being secured to said drum, a shiftable supporting rod extending axially through said bushings, a clutch member rotatably mounted on said rod and between said bushings, said rod having a diameter at one end smaller in one direction, a sleeve slipped over said end of said rod and secured thereto to form a stop against shifting of said clutch member in the other direction, and means to prevent substantial rotation of said clutch member with respect to said drum.

supported upon said sleeves, clutch teeth upon said clutch member, teeth upon the adjacent ends of said bushings for cooper ation therewith, an enclosing drum, a pair of coil springs, onecorresponding toeach bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each spring being secured to said drum, and means connecting said clutch member with respect to said drum,to V

prevent substantial relative rotation.

33. In a spring powerunit of the type which includes a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each said spring 5 being secured to said drum, and a disk secured within said drum and between said springs; the combination therewith of a sup porting rod for said unit, extending through said bushings and slidable therein, and a clutch member rotatably mounted upon said rod and between said bushings and shiftable with said rod, said clutch member having keys cooperating with said disk, and clutch teeth in said bushings for cooperation with said keys. 7 34. In a spring powerunitor' the type which includes a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto atone end, the opposite end of each said spring being secured to said drum, and a disk secured within said drum and between said springs; the combination therewith of a slidable rod extending axially through one of said bushings and having a toothed clutch part be tween said bushings andunder control of said rod, said clutch part being keyed to said disk, there being teeth upon said bushings for cooperation with those onrsaid clutch part. 7 V

35. The combination of claim 33 in which the keys extend beyond the endsurfaces of said clutch member, and in which the diameter o'tcthe bushings is greater than the greatest diameter of said clutch member. 7

36. A spring power unit comprising a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings fioatingly disposed therein. a paid of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite end of each of'said springs being secured to said drum, a clutch member within said drum between said bushings and axially aligned therewith, a disk secured within said drum at right angles to said bushings and between said springs, a key upon said clutch member parallel to said bushings and extending into a corresponding notch in said disk, said key extending beyond the end surfaces of said clutch member to form clutch teeth, corresponding clutch teeth in the adj acent ends of the bushing members, means for shifting said clutch member, the length of said key being greater than the range of shift in each direction, whereby the clutch member remains keyed to the disk in all settings.

37. he method of operating a spring motor of substantially the construction specified in claim 36 with the clutch member shifted into cooperation with one of the bushings, thereby forming a rigid connection about the corresponding spring, and shifting the clutch member into cooperation with the other bushing upon breaking of the spring in use.

38. In a phonograph, in combination a motor therefor, secured therein and including a driving spring mechanism, coupling means associated with said mechanism, and means accessible in the assembled phonograph for operating said coupling means to establish a rigid power transmitting connection about a section of said spring mechanism.

39. In a phonograph of the type which includes motor-supporting means, a spring motor secured thereto and including a drum structure and a plurality of coil springs therein connected in series, bushings in said drum structure, said springs being connected to said bushings at one end and to said .drum structure at the other; the combination therewith of means in said drum structure for establishing a rigid connection between any said bushing and the adjacent part of the drum structure, eliminating the corresponding spring from the mechanical circuit, a. shifting rod for said coupling means extending axially from said drum structure, and means manually operable from the exterior of said phonograph for actuating said coupling means through said shifting rod.

40. In a phonograph of the type which includes a motor board, a spring motor secured to the lower surface thereof and including a pair of standards, a horizontal supporting rod carried by said standards, a plurality of bushings floatingly mounted upon said rod, a drum structure about said bushings, and springs connecting said bushings to said drum structure; the arrangement of said rod for limited sliding with respect to said drum structure, and the com-- bination therewith of a coupling member slidable with said rod and adapted to make a rigid connection between one of said bushings and the adjacent part of the drum, a button upon the upper surface of said motor board, and means extending through said board and connected to said button and to said rod for transmitting a shifting impulse from said button to said rod.

4:1. The combination of claim 39 in which coacting indicating designations are provided upon a stationary part of the phonograph and the manual operating means, to show which spring or springs are in use and which idle.

42. In combination, a phonograph, a spring motor mounted therein and including a drum structure, a plurality of axially aligned bushings floating therein, and driving springs one for each bushing, connecting the corresponding bushing to said drum structure, the driving springs being arranged in series, clutch means arranged axially between successive bushings, shifting means therefor projecting axially from the drum structure, said clutch means having an, inoperative and a, plurality of operative settings, manual operating means for said shifting means accessible from the exterior of the phonograph, and means for retaining said clutch means against accidental displacement from any of its settings.

43. In combination, a phonograph having a motor board, aspring motor mounted upon the lower surface thereof, and including a drum structure, a plurality of axially aligned bushings floating therein, and drivingsprings one for each bushing, connecting the corresponding bushing to said drum structure, the driving springs being arranged in series, clutch means arranged axially between successive bushings, shifting means therefor projecting axially from the drum structure, said clutch means having an inoperative and a. plurality of operative settings, manual operating means for said shifting means accessible from the upper surface of said motor board. and spring means for frictionally resisting displacement of said operating means, thereby retaining said clutching means against accidental displacement from any of its settings.

44. An operating means for a spring selector mechanism of the type provided with a shiftin rod said 0 erat1n means comprising arod to extend vertically through a motor board and having a turn button at its upper end, an eccentric upon the lower end of said rod, an eccentric plate having an opening in which said eccentric fits, a coupling piece pivoted to said plate, said coupling piece being adapted for connection to the shifting rod of theselector mechanism.

45. The combination of claim 44 in which the turn button has a pointer rotatable therewith for indicating for which spring or springs the motor is set to operate.

46. A spring power unit comprising a drum structure, a supporting shaft therefor,

a plurality of bushings floatingly mounted upon. said shaft, a plurality of springs within said drum structure, one corresponding to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, each spring being connected at its other end to said drum structure, said springs be ing connected in series, clutch means upon said shaft and between said bushings, means securing said clutch means against substantial rotation relative to one of said shaft and drum structure, and means for shifting said clutch means to clutch any of said bushin s.

47. n a spring power unit of the type which includes a drum, a pair of axially aligned bushings floatingly disposed therein, a pair of coil springs corresponding one to each bushing and secured thereto at one end, the opposite'ends of each said spring being secured to said drum, and a disk secured within said drum. and between said springs; the combination therewith of a clutch member aligned with said bushings and arranged to establish a clutching connection with either of said bushings, said bushings having clutch teeth with tapered ends, and said clutch member having teeth adapted to enter into mesh between said tapered teeth.

48. A spring motor comprising in combination, a frame, a power plant mounted thereon and comprising a plurality of coaxially arranged coil springs, a single winding gear means for delivering energy to all of said springs, a transmission to be driven by all of said springs, a power transmitting member disposed intermediate the ends of said power plant, and means for shifting said power transmitting member to remove some of said springs from operative connection.

49. A spring motor comprising in combination, a frame, a power plant mounted thereon and comprising a plurality of coaxially arranged coil springs, winding gear means for delivering energy to all of said springs, a'transmission to be driven by all of said springs, a power transmittin member cooperating with said power p ant intermediate the ends thereof, and means for shifting said power transmitting member longitudinally of said power plant to set the motor for operation upon one half of said power plant when said transmitting member is at one side of neutral position and upon the other half thereof when at the other side of neutral.

50. A spring motor comprising in combination, a frame, .a power plant mounted thereon and including a pair of coaxially arranged coil spring elements, a single winding gear means for delivering energy to both of said spring elements, a transmission to be driven by both of said spring elements, a power transmitting member disposed half Way between theoends of said power plant, and means for displacing said power transmitting member through a limited range longitudinally of said power plant, said transmitting member being arranged with respect to the elements of said power plant in such manner, that when moved to one extreme position, it will render inoperative one of said spring elements and when moved to the other extreme position, it will render inoperative the other said spring element, and when in intermediate position both-of said spring elements will be connected for driving operation.

51. spring motor comprising in combination, a frame, a power plant mounted thereon and comprising a pair of coaxial coil spring sections arranged side by side, toothed members nearadjacent ends of said sections, a rod extending longitudinally of said power plant, a toothed coupling member thereon and shiftablyr arranged, said coupling member when in one extreme position meshing with one, of said toothed members and establishing a continuous power connection between, said winding gear and said turn table shaft through one of said spring'sections and excluding the other from operation and When in the other extreme position establishing a similar power connection through the other of said spring sections and excluding the first.

52. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spring-power generating elements, nonpower generating transmitting elements, and means for bridging one .or more of said first elements with corresponding transmitting elements.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 13th day of July, A. D. 1920. I

MAXIMILIAN WEIL. 

